97th Dental Squadron to provide custom mouthguards Published March 21, 2013 By 97th Medical Group Dental Squadron ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 97th Dental Squadron is scheduled to host a custom mouthguard day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 4, 2013, during which the clinic will make guards for eligible beneficiaries of active duty and retired members from the age of 8 to 16. This is a first come, first served event with impressions early and then pick up of the guards later in the morning. It will take roughly one to two hours to make the guard once the impression is done. The clinic will stop taking impressions at 10 a.m. Each year thousands of people get hurt on playing fields, basketball courts, or while skateboarding, biking and during other activities. Blows to the face in nearly every sport can cause injuries from a simple cut to a jaw fracture. The National Youth Sports Foundation estimates that more than 5 million teeth will be knocked out during sporting events this year. However, the American Dental Association states that approximately 200,000 mouth and face injuries are prevented annually by the use of sports mouthguards in high school and collegiate football alone. A 1995 study by Dr. Raymond Flander reported the high incidence of mouth and face injuries in sports other than football. In football, where mouthguards are required, 0.07 percent of all injuries were to the face or mouth. In basketball, where mouthguards are not required, 34 percent of all injuries were to the face or mouth. Mouthguards should be worn during any sporting event where there is a chance for contact with other participants or surfaces. A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and smile. You may have seen them used in contact sports, such as football, basketball, boxing, ice hockey, and soccer. Findings show that mouthguards help protect teeth even in non-contact sports such as baseball, bicycling, and gymnastics. If you have a child who participates in any physical activity, especially a contact sport, you should consider a mouthguard. Imagine the trauma, cost, and time lost treating an injury that guards may prevent. The three types of mouthguards are: (1) The ready-made (2) The mouth-formed, "boil and bite" mouthguard; and (3) The custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist. All three mouthguards provide protection, but vary in comfort and cost. The most effective mouthguard should have several features. It should be resilient, tear resistant, and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable and easy to clean, and not affect your speech or breathing. Generally, a mouthguard covers only the upper teeth, but in some cases the dentist can make a mouthguard for the lower teeth. Your dentist can suggest the right mouthguard for you. It is important to take good care of your mouthguard. Before and after each use, rinse it with cold water or with antiseptic mouth rinse. You can clean it with your toothpaste and toothbrush. When it is not being used, place your mouthguard in a firm, perforated container. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage. Avoid exposing it to high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouthguard. Check it for tears, holes, and fit. A torn mouthguard can irritate your mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides. The spring and summer seasons are on their way, so in preparation please protect your teeth with a mouthguard. There are "boil and bite" moldable guards for children available at the dental clinic and "boil and bite" and custom mouthguards for adult service members. If you are interested in picking up a boil and bite or getting a custom guard just mention it at your next exam or call your dental clinic for an appointment. For additional information about mouthguards or the custom mouthguard day, please contact 97th Dental Squadron at 481-5262.